Despite Tehran’s public denials, senior Iranian officials are quietly seeking a path to open direct talks with the Trump administration. But there’s one critical hurdle: they’re still waiting for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s approval.

A source close to the matter has told The Jerusalem Post that the Iranian leadership has signaled interest in engaging the Trump administration—but only if Khamenei gives the green light. The decision, as always in Iran’s tightly controlled hierarchy, rests solely with the Supreme Leader.

But access to Khamenei has reportedly been a major obstacle. According to sources, the aging leader has remained hidden in a secure underground location, complicating communication with top government officials. It’s unclear if his silence signals disapproval—or simply a logistical impasse.

Veteran journalist Barak Ravid recently reported that during the peak of the conflict, Khamenei personally blocked an attempt by Iran’s foreign minister to initiate discussions with two senior Trump administration officials—special envoy Steve Witkoff and Vice President J.D. Vance.

That refusal may have had serious consequences. The breakdown in back-channel diplomacy reportedly played a role in President Trump’s controversial decision to authorize airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

With Iran facing mounting international pressure and fresh rounds of sanctions, some insiders believe the leadership is weighing the costs of continued isolation. But for now, everything hinges on the elusive Supreme Leader.

The question now: Will Ayatollah Khamenei break his silence and allow negotiations to begin, or continue steering Iran down a path of confrontation?

We will be following every angle of this evolving story.

Reporting by Carl Montel.